Best Playground Accessory

The covered bench at Corrine Jones Park

Staff Pick

Also known to the Wagener Terrace neighborhood as Hester Park, Corrine Jones' playground underwent a major overhaul in late 2011 and into 2012. The equipment is shiny and new and fun for the kids, but parents can enjoy their time on the brand new bench. Yeah, we know what you're thinking. A bench? Really? That's worthy of a Critics' Pick? Yes, it is, because this is no ordinary bench. It was designed and built by the students at the Clemson Architecture Center in Charleston, who spent their semester conceptualizing and constructing it. And it's easily the coolest looking thing on the upper peninsula, imparting a bit of modern design into a historic neighborhood.